The National Works Agency (NWA) was reportedly forced to abort work to improve the section of the Mandela highway that runs through Central Village today after criminals sought to extort the contractor.

The work crew was carrying out preparatory works for the patching of the road at the time of the incident.

In a statement, Minister with responsibility for works, Robert Morgan, said he has been in touch with the police high command and that the security forces will be mobilized, to ensure that the work continues, and is completed.

He noted that the work being done along the Mandela highway forms part of the government’s push to improve corridors impacted by Hurricane Beryl and subsequent rains.

The work is being done under the Relief Emergency Assistance and Community Help (REACH) programme, which is valued at $3 billion. 

Mr. Morgan added that the government intends for Jamaicans to receive the full benefits of the programme and that no act of criminality will prevent this from happening.